This year, I did something a little different over New Year's... I went to Moab, Utah! Now I had heard good things about Moab, and it seemed like a fun place to go, but I was also a little hesitant to see what the weather and opportunities would be like in winter. I have to say that IT WAS PERFECT!
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| Canyonlands National Park |
We took a long, but nice, drive from Denver to Moab in about 6 hours, with a stop for lunch in Glenwood Springs. The drive was interesting and varied as it went through the Rocky Mountains and winded through canyons before opening up to rocky, weird hills with mountains in the distance in Utah. Once in Utah, we stayed at a fancy-schmancy condo complete with hot tub and beautiful kitchen found on VRBO (a site similar to AirBnB and the like).
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| Canyonlands National Park |
The day after our arrival was our first real adventure. We went into Arches National Park (which is only one of the 4 parks in the area). We were all excited and impressed by the scenery of red and orange rocks, spires, arches (duh!) and snow-covered mountains in the distance. My brother was overcome with excitement... Once in the park, we found the first pull-off stop to overlook Arches. My brother and the rest of us got out of the car and cameras in hand, went to take our first stunning pictures of the trip. Well it wasn't until we returned to the car that we all realized just how excited my brother was... he had left his car without even thinking to close the driver's door, simply jumping from the car and running to see the view. Needless to say, we all had a good laugh!
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| Balancing Rock |
Arches is really a magical place. The sun lit up the rocks with the most beautiful colors. We enjoyed being tourists and stopping at all the overlooks and main sights, including the 3 Gossips and Balancing Rock, before heading to the start of our hike. Our hike took us to see 5 or 6 different arches, each unique and awe-inspiring. There was some snow on the ground, but thankfully we were prepared with extra traction to attach to our shoes. That allowed us to scramble up some icy bits of rock. It was the perfect introduction to Arches and Moab.
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| Top of the world in Arches National Park |
The next day we had met up with some friends and made our way to Canyonlands National Park, also a 15 or so minute drive from Moab. With the recommendation of the visitor's center, we went to the most incredible overlook hike, where we walked along the cliff edge that overlooked the expansive canyons. From up high, we could see the layers of rocks that had been formed into canyons and spires in the distance. After that shorter hike, we had enough time before the sun went down to go to the other end of the park and see a mysterious place, almost like a crater but with piles of different colored rocks from the surrounding area. The informational signs couldn't give a sure answer, so we're left to wonder how it could have happened.
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| Petroglyphs |
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| Canyonlands National Park |
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| Canyonlands National Park - Can you see who's hiding underneath the rock? |
Day 3 (New Year's Eve)'s adventure led us not to a national park, but along the Colorado River. Driving through the canyon next to the river, our attention was directed to the rock wall where petroglyphs, some as old as 2000 years, were casually placed. Without the information sign saying "Indian Art," we probably would have missed the experience entirely. The first petroglyphs were a little hard to spot, but once we saw them, more kept popping out. They were incredible. Just think of all that history! After the petroglyphs, we went to hike to Corona Arch. This was another beautiful and unique arch with an interesting hike where we had to climb a ladder and walk past hundreds of cairns (rock stacks). Even after all this excitement, my brother and I were still ready for more, so we separated from the group to go spend the last couple hours of daylight in Arches to see a couple more areas we hadn't previously experienced.
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| Corona Arch |
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| Adventurous hike to Corona Arch |
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| Turret Arch in Arches National Park |
After a game night for New Year's Eve, we celebrated New Year's Day with a delicious brunch and mimosas, complete with champagne brought from France (ok, from the duty free shop in France). My mom and I decided to take it a little easy and hike at our own pace. I decided that I really wanted to see Delicate Arch, probably the most famous arch as it's on the Utah license plate. So, the two of us drove into Arches and took this hike. I was an interesting hike across large expanses of rock, with interesting people such as the older Asian man with 3-inch cramp-ons. This hike was the perfect way to end our last day in Moab. It really brought forth the awe and wonder contained in such a magical place. I know that someday I'll be back; it gave me such an indescribable feeling of magic that I get when I'm in the heart of nature looking at the world's wonders.
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| Delicate Arch with mom |
 | I wish everyone a Happy New Year full of adventure, health, happiness, friends and family. |
| Delicate Arch - the symbol of Utah |
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